This study will examine Taoism in terms of the impact of that religion of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. The study will compare these two men's philosophies and ideas as they relate to Taoism, and will explore the implications of their thoughts for governing oneself and others. Also included will be the consideration of the relationship of their approaches and contemporary counterculture.
A comparison with the conformity of Confucianism shows the non-conformity to be a clear reflection of contemporary counterculture. The latter rejects the traditional culture just as Taoism rejects Confucianism. It is no surprise, then, to find the contemporary counterculture leaning toward Taoist thought, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu in its attempts to find an alternative world view and a fresh, radical, individualized and more authentic way of governing oneself and others. Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu are far more similar in their thoughts than they are different. Their general approach has created a school which stands in contrast to other similar schools:
Whereas in other schools Tao means a system of moral truth, in this school it is the One, which is natural, eternal, spontaneous, nameless, and indescribable. It is at once the beginning of all things and the way in which all things pursue their course. . . . It denotes simplicity, spontaneity, tranquillity, weakness, and most important of all, non-action. . . . The latter [means] . . . "taking no action that is contrary to Nature"---in other words, letting Nature take its own course (Chan 136).
In general terms, Chuang Tzu was more conservative than Lao Tzu, and included in his thoughts some features which Lao Tzu might have considered distractions if not fantasies. For example, one difference between the two has to do with the emphasis which they put on the past. Lao Tzu was more inclined to emphasize the present than Chuang Tzu. For example, "ancient kings were regarded as models" by Chuang Tzu, whi...